North Nibley Parish Council Meeting

4th February 2026

A very full council meeting. Great to see so many people taking an interest in the local community.

A local GP spoke powerfully at the public forum about the use and misuse of Westridge Woods. He has noticed an increasing amount of litter in recent years. He was suggesting that trail head signs should be considered at bottom of wood lane. Reminding people of bridleways, sites of interest and good behaviour examples – e.g. yield to horses, slow when trails merge, pack litter out, leave as you found it etc.

Maybe larger bins at bottom of wood lane and subtle signage at problem sites. Engagement with local trail groups and trail cleaning days advertised on social media, pub, Tarragon's, On the Edge etc.

This generated a good deal of debate and it highlighted that there are a number of groups already working in this space. Also, there is an annual litter pick moving to the Spring and could target hotspots.

The public form then moved onto the ongoing work by F&W Forestry. Generally, people are very unhappy with the quality of the work being undertaken. I've written up some the history here.

There is considerable concern. Paths becoming eroded and canopy greatly reduced. Cllr Braun has been organising a follow up meeting with the Forestry Commission and contractor but the February date has been pushed back to March.

Issues with highways and potholes need to be reported via the Fix My Street app which seems to be unavailable as I draft this report. :( The work gets done even if quality of repair is sometimes questionable.

S.25/2430/FUL planning application for the erection of a rural workers dwelling.|Brookside Farm Waterley Bottom. Clls were concerned about numerous issues, including the proximity of livestock to the watercourse. Also an appeal S.25/074/APPREF was noted.

Road Safety volunteer Chris Mewse has been looking at options to improve junction by the pub. He gave a detailed presentation and recommended that some planters are located on the island to prevent inconsiderate parking there. There is a good report in the meeting papers for the November 2025. https://northnibleyparishcouncil.gov.uk/meetings/november-2025/

The Burial Clerk gave a brief report about some headstones in the cemetery. Also, some discussion about the litter bins located there.

Myself, Cllr Braun and Cllr Cohen left soon after this item.